Reciprocating motor with motion conversion means

ABSTRACT

A permanent magnet motor which utilizes pairs of permanent magnets as the power source for the motor. The magnets of each pair are arranged with their like poles adjacent one another so that normally the magnets of the pairs oppose or repel one another. Shiftable means are provided for being inserted between the magnets of each pair so as to then to alter the magnetic field between the magnets to cause the magnets to move toward one another with considerable force. One magnet of each pair is connected to a common drive shaft member. The shiftable means for being inserted between and withdrawn from the magnets of each pair are shifted by any suitable means in timed relationship with one another.

United States Patent Tracy et al.

[451 Nov. 21, 1972 [54] RECIPROCATING MOTOR WITH MOTION CONVERSION MEANS[72] Inventors: Robert D. Tracy, 1506 West Chicago Avenue, SouthMilwaukee, Wis. 53172; David J. Derouin, 12045 West St. Martin Road,Franklin, Wis. 53132 221 Filed: June9, 1971 211 Appl.No.: 151,462

[51] Int. Cl. ..H02k 7/06 [58] Field of Search ..3l0/22, 23, 24, 103,34, 35, 310/190 [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,636,3911/1972 Horner et al. ..3 10/24 3,328,656 6/1967 Dotson ..310/24 X1,349,100 8/1920 Reynolds et al. ..310/24 1,724,446 8/1929Worthington...,...3l0/19O UX Primary Examiner-D. F. Duggan AttorneyJamesE. Nilles [57] ABSTRACT A permanent magnet motor which utilizes pairs ofpermanent magnets as the power source for the motor. The magnets of eachpair are arranged with their like poles adjacent one another so thatnonnally the magnets of the pairs oppose or repel one another. Shiftablemeans are provided for being inserted between the magnets of each pairso as to then to alter the magnetic field between the magnets to causethe magnets to move toward one another with considerable force. Onemagnet of each pair is connected to a common drive shaft member. Theshiftable means for being inserted between and withdrawn from themagnets of each pair are shifted by any suitable means in timedrelationship with one another.

6 Claims, 28 Drawing Figures RECIPROCATING MOTOR WITH MOTION CONVERSIONMEANS BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The invention pertains to electricmotors of the dynamo-electro type which employ permanent magnets astheir source of power. The motor of the present invention can be ofeither the reciprocating or rotary type. An example of a prior artdevice of only generally similar character is shown in the US. Pat. No.3,33 l ,973 issued July 18, 1967 to McClure and entitled Magnetic Motor.In that motor, electro magnets were moved between two permanent magnets,the two permanent magnets being stationary and placed in an attractstate. The electro-magnet changed current and it was necessary to employcontinuous electrical current for causing this change of current.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides a dynamo-electromotor which employs pairs of permanent magnets which are normally placedin a repel state. Shiftable means are provided for shifting between themagnets of each pair to thereby cause the flux lines therebetween to bealtered and thereby resulting in at least one of the magnets movingtoward the other. This shiftable means is alternately inserted betweenand withdrawn from the magnets of both pairs to thereby continuallycause the magnets of each pair to' alternately move away and toward oneanother. One of the permanent magnets of each pair are connected to acommon drive shaft whereby the force between the pairs of magnets allcontribute in timed relationship with one another to furnish drivingpower to the shaft.

In one specific form of a motor of the above type, the shifting means isa steel plate which is shifted by a electrically actuated solenoid, thesolenoids in turn are operated in timed relationship with one another bya distributor rotor connected to the drive shaft. A source of electricalcurrent such as a battery acts to operate the solenoids in timedrelationship with one another through the distributor rotor.

A more limited aspect of the present invention is to provide a permanentmagnet motor of the above type in which the shiftable means for beinginserted between and withdrawn from the permanent magnets is mounted onanti-friction means so as to reduce the force required to withdraw andinsert the shiftable means.

In one specific aspect of the invention, the permanent magnet motorabove described is of the reciprocating type wherein a plurality ofmagnets are connected by pivoted arms to a common crankshaft.

Another more specific aspect of the invention relates to a permanentmagnet motor in which one magnet of each of several pairs of magnets areconnected to a common rotary member, and which pairs of magnets all actsimultaneously to apply the driving force to a common drive shaft.

These and other objects and advantages of the present invention willappear hereinafter as this disclosure progresses, reference being had tothe accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS RECIPROCATING MAGNET TYPE FIG. 1 is asmall, perspective view of one form of the invention and shows a motorof the reciprocating magnet type;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged plan view of the motor shown in FIG. 1, certainparts being shown as broken away, removed, or in section for the sake ofclarity in the drawings;

FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken along the line 3-3 in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a side elevational view of the FIG. 2 motor, the view beingtaken generally along the line 4-4 in FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is another side elevational view taken along line 5-5 in FIG. 2and showing the shiftable plate means in the position withdrawn frombetween the magnets;

FIG. 6 is a schematic electrical diagram of the motor shown in FIGS. 1to 5;

FIG. 7 is an electrical diagram of the motor shown in FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a development chart of the different terminals of the rotorwhich are connected at any one time during a revolution of the motor;

' FIG. 9 is an enlarged, cross sectional view of the distributor rotor,the view being taken generally along the line 9-9 in FIG. 6;

FIGS. 10 to 14 show various types of permanent magnets which may be usedwith the motor shown in FIGS. 1 to 7;

ROTARY MAGNET MOTOR TYPE the line 17-17 in FIG. 16, certain parts beingshown in cross section or removed for the sake of clarity;

FIG. 18 is a sectional view of a portion of the device as shown in FIG.16;

FIG. 19 is a view of the inner end of the shiftable plate means, theview being taken generally along the line 19-19 in FIG. 18;

"FIG. 20 is a view similar to FIG. 18 and in addition showing theanti-friction means for slideably mounting the shiftable plate means;

FIG. 21 is an electrical diagram of the motor shown in FIGS. 15 to 17;

FIG. 22 is another electrical diagram of the motor shown in FIG. 15 to17, but showing the rotor moved to a different position from that inFIG. 21;

FIG. 23 is a cross sectional view of the rotor taken generally along theline 23-23 in FIG. 21; and

FIGS. 24 to 28 are various forms of permanent magas usable with themotor of nos. 15 m 17.

DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT The invention will first bedescribed in connection with FIGS. 1 to 14 wherein a dynamo-electromotor is shown of the reciprocating magnet type.

Any numberof pairs of permanent magnets may be employed but for the sakeof illustration four pairs of magnets have been shown in FIGS. 1 to 14.The pairs of magnets include a stationary magnet 1 which is fixedlymounted on the frame F of the motor. The other magnet 2 of each of thepairs of magnets is reciprocable toward and away from its companionmagnet 1 and for this purpose a guideway 3 is provided in which themagnet 2 can reciprocate. The inner end of the reciprocable magnets 2 isconnected by a crankarm 5 to a common crankshaft 6 having an eccentricor crank portion 7.

Each of the magnets 1 and 2 of the pairs of magnets are arranged so thattheir like poles are adjacent to one another, that is to say, so thatthe permanent magnets of each pair repel one another when there is nointervening piece of metal between the magnets l and 2. The magn'etsareof such strength that they repel each other with considerable force.

Shiftable plate means of a magnetic material such as steel are adaptedto be shifted in between the magnets 1 and 2 of each pair of magnets andalso be withdrawn therefrom. This shiftable plate means takes the formof a sheet of steel 10 which is pivoted to the frame F as at 1 1 (FIG.5) and an electric solenoid S is connected to a slotted connection 12 atone end of the steel plate 10. As shown in FIG. 5, when the solenoid isenergized, it acts to pivot the plate upwardly to a position frombetween the magnets l and 2. When the plate is in this withdrawnposition, the magnets repel one another.

When the solenoid is not energized, the plates 10 are again returned totheir position between the magnets 1 and 2, such as under the influenceof a spring 14, thereby changing the flux pattern between the magnets 1and 2 and causing the magnets to forcefully move toward one another.

The solenoids are actuated in timed relationship to one another by meansof the distributor rotor 16 which comprises two rotor portions 16a and16b which rotate as a unit on its center shaft 17 so that it engages therotor contacts 21, 22, 2 3, 24, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 and thedevelopment chart, FIG. 8. For example, rotor 16a is shown as engagingcontact 24 at the same time that rotor 16b engages contact 21.

As further shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, a source of power, such as a battery28 provides the electrical current to the various contacts 21 to 24inclusive and the contacts are also connected to their respectivesolenoids. A voltage regulator 30 and an alternator 31 are also providedso that while the motor is running, the electric energy is provided bythe alternator, thus saving the power output of the battery 28. Each ofthe solenoids are also grounded as indicated.

By means of the above structure, the permanent magnets are operated intimed relationship with one another, and act to alternately repel orattract each other, depending on whether, respectively, the shiftableplate 10 is located out from between the magnets 1 and 2 or is locateddirectly between the magnets 1 and 2.

As shownin FIG. 7, contacts 24 and 21 are both engaged by the rotor 16thereby energizing their respective solenoids. The rotor is rotating inthe direction indicated by the curvilinear arrows in FIGS. 6 and 7 andthus contact 24 is about to be opened which will cause its solenoid tobe de-energized, thereby permitting its plate 10 to again shift betweenthe magnets 1 and 2. This will cause those particular magnets l and 2 tothen be forcefully attracted to one another.

It will also be noted in FIG. 7 that because the rotor 16 has closedcontact 2l,'its solenoid is also energized and will continue to beenergized after contact 24 is opened. This causes its solenoid to beenergized and consequently its plate 10 to be held from between itsmagnets 1 and 2, thereby causing these magnets to be in the repel state.At the same time, it will be noted that the other two contacts 22 and 23are open causing their respective solenoids to be energized, andconsequently their respective plates 10 to be located between theirrespective magnets 1 and 2, thereby causing the magnets to be in anattract state.

As a result, all of the pairs of magnets are caused to alternately, andin succession, impart a driving force to the common crankshaft 6.

Referring now to FIGS. 10 to 14, various forms of magnets are shown, theform shown in FIG. 10 being simple permanent magnets being arranged withtheir like poles adjacent one another and as shown in FIGS. 1 and 6. Themagnets shown in FIG. 11 are of the ceramic type having steel sides 33which increase their power.

The magnets shown in FIG. 12 are similar to those shown in FIG. 11, butare arranged in duplicate for additional power.

The magnets shown in FIG. 13 are of the ceramic and Alnico type having agenerally U-shaped casing 34, such as are made by Indiana GeneralCompany of Cudahy, Wisconsin.

The magnets shown in FIG. 14 are of the lndox type having tapered steelsides 35 which provide extremely good power, such as are made by IndianaGeneral Company of Cudahy, Wisconsin.

ROTARY MAGNET MOTOR FIGS. 15 THROUGH 27 This rotary type motor alsoemploys pairs of permanent magnets, the magnets 50 of each pair being ofthe stationary type while their companion magnets 51 are each attachedto a common rotor 55 that is fixed to the shaft 56. Shaft 56 isrotatably journalled in anti-friction bearings 57 in the frame of themotor which includes a pair of parallel, non-magnetic circular platelikemembers 61 and 62. Thus the rotor 55 and its magnets 51 are rotatablyguided between the plates 61 and 62.

It will be noted that the plates have a curved slot extendingtherethrough, one slot being provided for each pair of permanent magnets50, 51. A shiftable magnetic member, such as a sheet of steel 73, isalso of a curved shape so as to complement the curved slots 70 and beslideable therein. These plates 73 are shifted by means of theelectrically operated solenoids SS, being attached thereto at one end bythe stub shaft 74. Thus the solenoids when energized (FIG. 18) act towithdraw the plate 73 from the slot 70 and from between the magnets 50and 51. Thus the magnets 50, 51 which have their like poles adjacent oneanother are then in a repel state. When the solenoids are energized theyact to shift the plate 73 to a position between the magnets 50, 51,thereby causing the magnets to be in an attract state.

In this rotary motor embodiment, all of the solenoids are energized atthe same time, thereby causing their respective plates 73 to be allwithdrawn from their magnets at the same time. The solenoids are alsoadapted to be all de-energized at the same time, thereby causing theirrespective plates 73 to be simultaneously inserted between theirrespective magnets 50, 51. Thus, in the rotary magnet motor arrangement,all of the pairs of magnets act simultaneously to apply a driving forceto the common shaft 56.

The electrical diagram for the rotary magnet type motor is shown inFIGS. 21 and 22. FIG. 21 shows a schematic arrangement wherein all ofthe pairs of magnets 50, 51 are in he attract state due to the fact thatthe plates 73 are interposed between the magnets 50, 51, that is theirsolenoids are energized.

As shown in FIG. 22, the solenoids have all been energized to withdrawtheir plates 73 from between their magnets 50, 51 and the magnets 51 areshown in a moved position in between stationary magnets 50. When themagnets 51 are thus in the position shown in FIG. 22, the solenoids areabout to be energized, thereby causing the plates 73 to be shifted totheposition shown in FIG. 21 which will cause an attraction between eachmagnet 51 and its particular magnet 50 which it is approaching as therotor turns in the direction indicated by the curvilinear arrow in FIG.22.

In this manner, all of the pairs of magnets are simultaneously used toapply a driving force to the crank shaft 56. As soon as the magnets 51are in full attract engagement with their corresponding magnets 50, thesolenoids are again actuated to withdraw their plates 73, thereby againcausing a repel state and continuous smooth movement of the magnets 51in their rotary path.

As shown in FIG. 19, the innermost ends of the plates 73 are inclined asat 73a so that proper leading edges of the magnets begin to attractbefore the remainder of the magnets are in full contact with one anotherand this insures proper and continued application of magnetic flux linesin the correct driving relationship.

As shown in FIG. 20, anti-friction rollers 80 may be mounted on thestationary frame part 81 of the motor and the plates 73 can ride on andbe guided by rollers 80, thereby making the plates easier to shift ineither direction.

Referring to FIGS. 24 to 28, these magnets correspond, respectively tothe magnets shown in FIGS. to 13, the only difference being that theiradjacent surfaces are curved to complement one another and therebyaccommodate the rotary movement between the stationary and rotatingmagnets.

RESUME By means of the present invention a plurality of permanentmagnets are provided, the magnets of each pair being arranged with theirlike poles adjacent one another. This arrangement normally places thepairs of magnets in a repulse state. The shiftable magnetic plate meansacts to change the magnetic field between the magnets so that therepulse state of the pairs of magnets results in an attract state. Theshifting of the various plate means are timed so that the pairs ofmagnets act in cooperation on a common drive shaft to impart a forcethereto. The only source of electrical power required is a battery whichactuates the solenoids and the battery is only necessary in the start-upoperation; otherwise the alternator provides the electrical energy forthe solenoids.

It will be appreciated that in the use of permanent magnets, a verypowerful attract or repulse force can be obtained between the magnets,while only a very slight force is necessary to slide or withdraw themagnetic plate means from or in between the magnets of each pair.

Thus a quiet, pollution free and efficient dynamoelectric permanentmagnetic motor has been provided.

We claim:

1. A dynamo-electro, permanent magnet motor comprising pairs ofpermanent magnets, one magnet of each pair being stationary and theother magnet of each pair being shiftable relative thereto, the magnetsof each pair being arranged with their like poles adjacent one anotherto thereby normally place them in a repulse state, shiftable magneticplate means, and means for shifting said plate means from a positionwithdrawn from between the magnets of each pair to a position directlybetween the magnets of each pair thereby, respectively, causing themagnets of each pair to repulse each other and then move toward eachother, means connecting the shiftable magnets of each pair to a commondrive shaft.

2. The motor set forth in claim 1 further characterized in that saidmeans for shifting said plate means comprises electrical solenoid meansattached to said plate means, and a distributor rotor for alternatelyenergizing and deenergizing said solenoid means whereby said plate meansare shifted in timed relationship with one another.

3. The motor set forth in claim 1 further characterized in thatanti-friction means are provided for shifting and guiding said platemeans in their shifting movement.

4. The motor set forth in claim 1 wherein said shiftable magnets aremovable in a reciprocating movement, and crankshafts connect each ofsaid shiftable magnets to a common drive shaft.

5. The motor set forth in claim 1 further characterized in that saidshiftable magnets are all connected to a common rotor for rotarymovement together as a unit.

6. The motor set forth in claim 4 further characterized in that saidmagnets of each pair are of a complementary curved shape, and said platemeans are also curved to complement the curved shape of the magnets ofeach pair of magnets.

r UNETED STATES PATENT CERTIFIQATE w mm v Patent No. 3, 703, 653i Datedr NovemQer 21, 1 972 Inventor(s) Robert D. Tracy and David'J. Deruin Itis certified that error appears in the aBo've-iflgntified patent andthat said Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:

Cancel 'YRECIPROCATING', fromthe title.

si gned-ahds eaied thil2th-day"of June 1973;

(SEAL) Attest: I

EDWARD MEL ETCHERJR. I ROBERT GOTTSCHALK Attestlng Offi er rCommissioner of Patsnts U-S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE I959 0-366-334UNITED STATES PATENT @FFEQE T W S @F WRREW N Patent No. 3, 703, 53 DatedY November 21,, 1 972 Robert D. Tracy arid David'J, Dercpuin It iscertified that error appears in the abo'v'e-iflentified patent and thatsaid Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:

Cancel 'FRE 'I R CATING'F from'the title.

Signed ahd sealed this" 12th day ofJu'ne 1973.-

(SEA-L) EDWARDWMELETCHERJR. ROBERT GOTTSCHALK v Attestlng Officer v IC0mmi sijoner of Patents ORM powso U SCOMM-DC 6O376-P69 Y V USGOVERNMENT PR|NT|NG OFFICE 1969 0-366-335

1. A dynamo-electro, permanent magnet motor comprising pairs ofpermanent magnets, one magnet of each pair being stationary and theother magnet of each pair being shiftable relative thereto, the magnetsof each pair being arranged with their like poles adjacent one anotherto thereby normally place them in a repulse state, shiftable magneticplate means, and means for shifting said plate means from a positionwithdrawn from between the magnets of each pair to a position directlybetween the magnets of each pair thereby, respectively, causing themagnets of each pair to repulse each other and then move toward eachother, means connecting the shiftable magnets of each pair to a commondrive shaft.
 1. A dynamo-electro, permanent magnet motor comprisingpairs of permanent magnets, one magnet of each pair being stationary andthe other magnet of each pair being shiftable relative thereto, themagnets of each pair being arranged with their like poles adjacent oneanother to thereby normally place them in a repulse state, shiftablemagnetic plate means, and means for shifting said plate means from aposition withdrawn from between the magnets of each pair to a positiondirectly between the magnets of each pair thereby, respectively, causingthe magnets of each pair to repulse each other and then move toward eachother, means connecting the shiftable magnets of each pair to a commondrive shaft.
 2. The motor set forth in claim 1 further characterized inthat said means for shifting said plate means comprises electricalsolenoid means attached to said plate means, and a distributor rotor foralternately energizing and deenergizing said solenoid means whereby saidplate means are shifted in timed relationship with one another.
 3. Themotor set forth in claim 1 further characterized in that anti-frictionmeans are provided for shifting and guiding said plate means in theirshifting movement.
 4. The motor set forth in claim 1 wherein saidshiftable magnets are movable in a reciprocating movement, andcrankshafts connect each of said shiftable magnets to a common driveshaft.
 5. The motor set forth in claim 1 further characterized in thatsaid shiftable magnets are all connected to a common rotor for rotarymovement together as a unit.